The EESC welcomes the fact that the proposals offer citizens who have fallen victim to crime whilst abroad in one Member State the scope to report the crime in their Member State of residence. This is particularly important in cases of serious injury or accident, or for the family, in case of a fatality. The EESC supports the directive's horizontal approach, covering rights for all victim and underline the importance of recognising the suffering and challenges faced by the family of the victim, as well as the victim themselves.